Its now about 10 years since I led my first group walk. They started as training walks for pilgrimages but have since become a regular local walk I run most months (with a bit of a gap in the winter). There are lots of reasons to walk: a chance to look at our lovely Surrey Countryside, a great way to get to know new people and catch up with old friends and, of course there are health benefits both physical and mental. If you need more information just contact me on monica@monicadyer.net but here are a few questions that everyone asks:
How long are the walks?
Most of the regular walks are between 4 and 6 miles. At least once a year we will have an ‘away day’ and this may be longer.
Do I need to be very fit?
No. But you do need to be able to walk steadily for 5 miles. If you would like to join us and you feel you can’t manage this just let me know and we will work something out.
Do I need any special equipment?
The most important thing is what you have on your feet. A good pair of walking boots or shoes is best. Even in the Summer mud and stony ground can make walking in trainers difficult and uncomfortable. I would also advise you have a backpack, water bottle and lightweight waterproof jacket.
How do I get to the start of the walk?
All walks are easily reachable by car. But, if you don’t drive, or would prefer not to, just let me know and I will arrange for a lift.
Can I bring my dog?
A definite yes. We all like having dogs with us. But you will need to be prepared to put it on a lead near roads and livestock.
One of my Favourite Walks. Starting from Reigate Heath we head towards the lovely Village of Buckland, across the valley and return on the North Downs Way. Mostly on level ground with some stiles. About 5 miles long.
We start at 2pm on the 20th of April. Plenty of Parking at Reigate Heath Car Park. Postcode RH2 8AB
This walk was discovered by Cyril one Sunday when I was in London. It starts at Polesden Lacey and, for a while, follows the route of another walk going across Effingham Golf course. But, instead of looping back, it continues onwards to Effingham Village and Little Bookham. I had never been there before. I loved the unusual butchers window display and the ancient Yew tree but the highlight was going into the church where we saw these beautiful angels.
We start and finish at Polesden Lacey which gives us a chance to share a lunch at their excellent cafe.
This is an easy walk with very little incline and mostly broad, level paths. As we are on top of the downs there are many views over London and sweeping vistas.
Start at: 10am on March the 16th
At: Polesden Lacey Car Park
Distance: 5 Miles
Notes: No steep inclines. We will stop to have a look at Effingham Church and there is a loo there. Polesden Lacey is free to National Trust Members but you will need to pay if you are not a member. Everyone needs to get a ticket from the machine.
An interesting walk starting from the main Ranmore Common Car Park, downwards and then circling around the village of Westcott. Doing this walk for the first time recently I had a sense of how Surrey has changed: Manor houses have become company Headquarters, Alpacas have replaced sheep yet the beauty of the country remains undiminished. This is a walk of sweeping views, both south and east and old trackways in leafy woods.
WALK DETAILS
Starting from: Denbies Hillside Car Park, Ranmore Common Road, Dorking, RH5 6SR
Date and Time: Saturday 17th of February, 10:30am
Distance: 5 Miles
Notes: Denbies Hillside is a National Trust car Park and is free to members. Non Members can pay at the machine. There is a short, steep climb on steps at the start and end of the walk.
A perfect walk in winter with views from the top of the Downs into London. A great way to blow away the cobwebs. We start at Polesden Lacey, go through the village of Great Bookham then swing round to finish the walk on one of the original carriage drives to the country house. We will meet in front of the main public toilets at the entrance. We will have an optional lunch at the end in the Polesden Lacey Cafe
Parking at Polesden Lacey is free only for National Trust Members. Details of the walk are:
Walk start: 10:30am
Walk date: 18th of November
Length of walk: 5 miles
Location of start: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD
A walk of huge variety within a short distance. Starting at the cosy Margery Wood and heading towards the wide expanse of the Walton Heath Golf course and then the extraordinary views from Colley Hill. We cross the M25 twice, so be prepared for some motorway noise. ‘The Sportsman’ pub is not far from our end point for (optional) refreshment.
We start at 2pm on October the 21st for a 5 mile walk. Margery Wood car park is managed by the National Trust and is free to members, postcode KT20 7EJ. To get there head North on the A217 from the M25 Junction 8 roundabout. Then immediately turn left down Margery Lane. Don't be put off by the 'No through road' sign. Continue straight through the village until you reach the end of the road and the car park is in front of you. This is free to National Trust members. If you are not an NT member you will need to pay using your phone. Mostly level ground and no stiles but could be muddy in wet weather
Traditionally the last walk of the year ends with a hot lunch. With this in mind we will start and end from our house in West Reigate and come back to my large, airy dining room for home made soup and rolls. The walk will head into Reigate and through Priory Park, then out to the country to the West of Reigate. Once we are back on the Heath its just a short distance back to our house for hot soup.
We will start at 10am on Saturday December the 11th.
Our address is: 5 Beaufort Close, Reigate, RH2 9DG
One of my Favourite Walks. Starting from Reigate Heath we head towards the lovely Village of Buckland, across the valley and return on the North Downs Way. Mostly on level ground with some stiles. About 5 miles long.
We start at 2pm on the 29th of May. Plenty of Parking at Reigate Heath Car Park. Postcode RH2 8AB
